Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Marinara sauce is a simple, classic Italian tomato sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Made with fresh garlic, olive oil, and basil, it’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz jar or can of crushed tomatoes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, add the olive oil and minced garlic.
- Step 2: Turn the heat to medium to gently cook the garlic, preventing it from burning.
- Step 3: Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, stir to combine, and season with kosher salt.
- Step 5: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and stir in the fresh basil.
- Step 6: Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, sauté a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Use fresh tomatoes when in season for an even brighter sauce.
- Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if desired.
- Blend the sauce for a smoother texture or leave it chunky for more bite.
Storage
Store marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, but add dried basil earlier in the cooking process to allow its flavor to develop, as it is less potent than fresh basil.
How can I thicken my marinara sauce?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for a longer time to reduce excess liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste to thicken it quickly.
PrintHomemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
This classic homemade marinara sauce is a simple and flavorful tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other Italian dishes, this sauce combines the richness of olive oil with the aromatic freshness of basil and garlic for a well-rounded, savory experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz jar or can of crushed tomatoes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and garlic: In a saucepan, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Turn the burner to medium heat carefully, which helps prevent the garlic from burning.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant: Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn a golden color, being careful not to burn it.
- Add crushed tomatoes and salt: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil. Add kosher salt to taste.
- Simmer with basil: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low boil or gentle simmer. Stir in fresh basil for flavor infusion.
- Cook the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding more salt if necessary.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted at 1 teaspoon.
- Do not burn the garlic as it will make the sauce bitter.
- This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, blend before serving.
Keywords: marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian sauce, homemade marinara, simple tomato sauce, basil sauce
